Changes in the clinical spectrum of pediatric moyamoya disease over 40 years.

objectiveTo investigate the chronological changes in the clinical presentation and long-term prognosis of pediatric-onset moyamoya disease in our institute over 40 years.

methodsWe evaluated 282 pediatric-onset (≤ 15 years old) moyamoya disease patients who visited our institute from 1981 to 2020 (divided into the former period, 1981-2000, and the latter period, 2001-2020). Differences in the clinical presentation and the long-term outcome were compared between the periods. Multivariate analysis was also performed to reveal the risk factors for poor long-term outcomes.

resultsCompared to the former period, the total number of patients, the onset age and both the number of patients with family history and relatively older patients without symptoms or with headache were greater in the latter period (p < 0.05). The number of patients with poor long-term outcomes was significantly lower in the latter period (24.9% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that stroke onset, late cerebrovascular events and postoperative complications were independent risk factors for poor long-term outcomes (odds ratio = 31.4, 40.8 and 5.4, respectively).

conclusionsOver the last 40 years, the number of pediatric moyamoya disease patients has increased, especially in relatively older patients with mild presentation and favorable long-term outcomes. In clinical studies, these chronological changes and the inclusion period of the participants need to be accounted for. Whether the increased diagnostic rate in the recent era has led to a decrease in late cerebrovascular events and favorable outcomes throughout life remains unknown and should be evaluated in the future.